Hollywood Stars Make A Beeline for Derby Graduate's Toys
24 April 2012
Emma Maudsley and her daughters with some of the Sock Monkey Emporium soft toys.
Although I didn't pursue a career related to my degree, my experience whilst at University definitely gave me the confidence to explore opportunities I wouldn't have otherwise considered
”Emma Maudsley.
The Sock Monkey created for Hive Derby.
A talented University of Derby graduate has seen her toy manufacturing business go global after being invited to 'gift' her products to Hollywood 'royalty'.
Mum of two, Emma Maudsley, 32 from Lancaster, has experienced huge demand for her sock monkeys - soft toys made using socks - after being invited to join The Artisan Group based in California, USA. This exclusive group of talented artisans provide hand-crafted products for inclusion in celebrity gift bags at Gift Lounges prior to events such as the Golden Globes and Oscars.
Since she started her Sock Monkey Emporium business from home, Emma's monkeys have been spotted with American star Jessica Alba and her daughters in US magazine Parenting. Celebrity mums Beyonce, Hilary Duff, Jennifer Garner and Uma Thurman will also soon be owners of these cute toys, as 30 monkeys make the journey stateside in time for America's Mother's Day on 13 May.
Emma graduated from the University of Derby in 2001 after studying for a BA (Hons) Heritage, Conservation and History degree. She said: "Although I didn't pursue a career related to my degree, my experience whilst at University definitely gave me the confidence to explore opportunities I wouldn't have otherwise considered.
"After University I worked in the retail and leisure industries but always enjoyed crafts such as cross stitch, so in 2010 I decided to take the plunge and set up a business to fit in with looking after my daughters. After promoting my monkeys on social media sites Facebook and Twitter sales grew by 75%, and they're proving so popular that I'm already taking orders for Christmas 2012."
Laura Ratcliffe, Alumni Relations Officer at the University of Derby said: "We discovered Emma's fantastic Sock Monkey Emporium after she joined Hive Derby www.hivederby.com, our exclusive website where Derby graduates can network, reconnect with each other and find out about our 20 Year Graduate Reunion event.
"It was great to hear about Emma's success and to find out who owns a sock monkey. We wanted to be part of this exclusive group too so we commissioned her to create our very own monkey complete with Hive Derby colours and bee wings!"
Follow Sock Monkey Emporium on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SockMonkeyEmporium and on Twitter @SockMonkeyEmp. Find out more about Hive Derby and the 20 Year Graduate Reunion event, taking place on Saturday 23 June 2012 at the University of Derby,by visiting www.hivederby.com.
